Thursday, June 17, 2010

Prosecutor whacks weed

The city's top drug prosecutor is campaigning to stop a bill that would legalize medical marijuana -- warning state lawmakers that the current proposal could boost crime by creating more pot delivery centers than Starbucks, The Post has learned.

"I am writing to express concern for the public health and safety of all New Yorkers, if the 'medical marijuana bill' should pass," special narcotics prosecutor Bridget Brennan said in a stern letter to lawmakers.

The measure working its way through both houses of the state Legislature would allow patients with life-threatening diseases or severe pain to toke marijuana. The state Health Department would regulate so-called marijuana dispensaries and prescribers.

But Brennan -- who supports the study of marijuana for medical use -- said the bill is "far too loosely drawn, and offers no safeguards to protect the health of those who use it, and the safety of the communities where marijuana dispensaries would be located."

Brennan outlined a number of flaws in the legislation, including:

* Allowing an unlimited number of "unregulated" marijuana dispensaries, which could be near schools or in high-crime neighborhoods.

She noted that in Los Angeles there were more pot palaces than Starbucks, adding that the city was forced to shut down 437 marijuana dispensaries last week.

"Dispensaries have proven to be public nuisances and magnets for crime," Brennan said

* Failing to require a doctor in "good standing" to meet with a patient before providing a certification to obtain medical marijuana. The bill would allow veterinarians and podiatrists to prescribe marijuana, she said.

* Lacking protocols to test for dangerous contaminants that could harm patients with weak immune systems, such as HIV or those undergoing chemotherapy.